Editor's picks: summer reading list
- John Lagimodiere | July 30, 2014
I devour books in the summer. Any chance I can get to read anything that isn't "news," I take it and I enjoy it. I hope you enjoy my list; I even threw in a couple for the kids.
- The Orenda by Joseph Boyden. This book came screaming onto the scene this year and won the Canada Reads Challenge on CBC. This book is powerful and captivating featuring battles between Haudenosaunee Nations and the intrusion of missionaries. Fascinating and at times violent, sure to win many awards. Also by Boyden Three Day Road and Through Black Spruce.
- The Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People in North America by Tom King. Hilarious. Thought provoking. Tom King is a genius. The mastermind behind Dead Dog Cafe on CBC, King uses humour and history to give a great perspective on Native/Newcomer relations.
- Dragon Fly Kites by Thomson Highway. This beautifully written and illustrated book floats and lilts along and tells us about Thompsons life growing up in the woods of Northern Manitoba. We read this one relentlessly to the kids.
- Métis Alphabet by Joseph Jean Fauchon and illustrated by Sheldon Mauvieux. This book is fun, well-illustrated and really explains Métis culture. It also has the Michif translations by Norman Fleury.
- Halfbreed by Maria Campbell. Truly captivating book by my favourite columnist, Maria bares it all in explaining her history and the history of a couple generations of Métis people that just aren't talked about enough.
I also love Stephen King (Don't judge me!) and a good old bang 'em up Jack Reacher or detective novel. I also highly recommend anything by another one of our Eagle Feather News columnists Richard Wagamese, especially Keeper and Me. Way funny and always thoughtful. Keep reading!